New Tower Gardens Pavilion a winner - even before it opens

Disappointment the public will not get to see the new Tower Gardens Pavilion on VE75 Day has been set aside with the exciting news the facility has won a regional award.
The new Tower Gardens Pavilion has been successful in the 2020 Regional RICS Social Impact Awards.The new Tower Gardens Pavilion has been successful in the 2020 Regional RICS Social Impact Awards.
The new Tower Gardens Pavilion has been successful in the 2020 Regional RICS Social Impact Awards.

The Pavilion has been successful in the 2020 Regional RICS Social Impact Awards i'Leisure' category and will now go forward to the national finals.

A statement from Skegness Town Council said they were extremely proud to have won: "In the last year, Tower Gardens has been completely transformed.

"The gardens look fantastic and the new building sits perfectly having completely regenerated a derelict part of this wonderful Skegness asset.

The inside of the Tower Gardens Pavilion.The inside of the Tower Gardens Pavilion.
The inside of the Tower Gardens Pavilion.

"This project shows what a Town Council with the right vision, planning and determination can achieve.

"This is a complete team effort and we cannot wait to see residents and visitors using the building to its full potential.

"Well done to all those involved!"

Works to transform the disused site began in May 2019 following the demolition of the existing Tower Gardens Pavilion, most recently occupied as the Inn on the Park public house - which closed in 2007. The original pavilion dates back to 1879, and historically provided the town’s largest dance, party and concert accommodation.

Tower Gardens PavilionTower Gardens Pavilion
Tower Gardens Pavilion

The new £1.6million project, led by Skegness Town Council, has been supported by the community who have been involved throughout the project.

This included the design and naming process, which was chosen by a local resident thanks to a competition organised by the council.

A 100-year time capsule containing modern-day items also lies at the site, provided by contractors G F Tomlinson and buried by local school children during the build.

It had been hoped the new pavilion would open last month and the public would get a glimpse of it at VE75 celebrations.

However, lockdown changed all that - but there will be lots to enjoy when it finally opens.

Now a mixed-use community building, the development features a multi-purpose function room and event space, a changing places hygiene suite, council offices and a community café. Its name, ‘Café Dansant’, dates back to the 1920s and has a known history in Skegness, having originally been a café on Tower Esplanade. The name was chosen following a suggestion by a member of the public who presented an interest in its historic origins.

The new facilities will be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike – as part of the council’s ambition to transform Skegness into an inclusive environment and workplace, as well as a vibrant place to visit.

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